2023-03-31-accounts

THE GREAT BARN OF WANBOROUGH

Chairman’s Report 2023

Following the disruptions caused by Covid-19 over the course of 2020 - 2021, activities at the Barn were able to return to normal in 2022, and we enjoyed a full year of Open Days and events. Many thanks are due to the members of the Management Committee and to the small army of over 50 volunteers who made this possible by generously giving their time for free.

Membership of the Great Barn Management Committee underwent some changes during the year. Jean Pereira, a founding member of the Committee, is sadly moving away from Wanborough, and has been replaced by Pete Harris. Under the new system of rotating chairmanship, David Franks’ tenure expired at the end of the 2022 season with David Wilson taking over for 2023. The Vice-Chairman (and Chairman-elect for 2024) is Richard Souchard.

Between April and August, there were six Open Days, with teas and cakes being provided at five of them. Then in September, the Barn was opened for two full days over Heritage Weekend. On this occasion, teas and lunches were provided in the Village Hall, and activities were expanded to include talks about the SOE by the Secret World War II organization. Between all these events, a total of over 1000 visitors were attracted to the Barn. In light of the fact that fewer people now carry cash around with them, the Barn Committee acquired a Zettle machine so that payments for teas and publications, and also donations, can now be taken electronically.

In addition to the Open Days, a number of other events were held in the Barn. To celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, over 120 members of the village community enjoyed a special lunch, followed by games and a barn dance. A Big Brass Band event attracted a large attendance, and a 90[th] birthday party was also held in the Barn. Three wedding receptions also took place in the Barn during the course of the year, one of which was hosted at no cost to the bride and groom, since it was awarded as a prize in a successful campaign to attract more receptions in the future. This reception also established a special cooperation with the Village Hall, under which the use of the Hall is provided as part of a wedding package involving both Hall and Barn. Following the final Open Days during Heritage Weekend, the Puttenham Bonfire team moved in to prepare their sets for the annual November bonfire event.

A significant structural issue arose during the course of 2022, when a large wooden roof strut was found to have fallen to the floor. Fortunately the Barn was closed at the time, so there were no injuries. Guildford Borough Council (the owners of the Barn) responded quickly and effected a temporary repair, which meant that the Barn could continue to be used. They also conducted a full structural survey and established that several further repairs are needed, plans for which have been put in place.

Plans and activities for 2023

The 2023 season began with a grand Spring Clean, in which a sizeable group of volunteers participated, clearing up the inevitable dust, cobwebs and general debris accumulated over the winter. Thanks are due to all who helped in making the Barn as clean and presentable as anyone can remember.

There have already been three Open Days, with three more planned, plus Heritage Weekend. Two wedding receptions have taken place and two more are scheduled.

The structural repairs to the roof are due to be carried out during a quiet period in August.

Work has begun on an educational programme designed to be of appeal to schoolchildren. Following some initial fundraising (already conducted successfully), this project will be largely funded by grants, with the presentational materials produced by external professionals. Liaison has taken pace with representatives of local schools to help establish the most appealing and relevant content, and it is hoped that when completed, the Barn will become an attractive destination for school visits.

David Wilson Chairman 2023

Wanborough Barns Management Committee Income statement y/e March 31, 2023

note INCOME Barn activities Catering Donations received 1 Hire of barn Lottery Interest received Schools Project 2 EXPENSES Design 3 Depreciation Insurance Sundry expenses Jubilee lunch 4 Lease payment NET INCOME	y/e 31/3/23 y/e 31/3/22 £ £ 323 188 624 794 485 1410 4,779 5825 35 52 83 2 12,310 0
	18,639 8271
	1,020 0 584 666 776 724 673 1042 965 0 5,000 5000
	9,018 7432
	9,621 839

Notes to the accounts y/e 31 March 2023

General note. Most categories were in line with last year's numbers.

1. Donations were higher last year due to a legacy of £1,000.

2. £12,310 was raised through grants and crowdfunding for the design and construction of new display boards, video and other costs to attract a younger audience through school visits.

3. £1,020 was spent on the initial cost for the design for the school project and the balance is budgetted for 2023 and 2024.

4. Costs for the Queen's Jubilee lunch for the local community and Friends of the barn.

Wanborough Barns Management Committee Balance Sheet March 31, 2023

	March 31 2023	March 31 2022
	£	£
BANK ACCOUNTS
Current Account	29237	21487
Savings account	19000	18918
Cash	20	20
	48257	40425
FIXED ASSETS
Equipment	4471	1709
Displays and Banners	227	303
	4698	2012
CURRENT ASSETS
Stock for resale	1399	1227
	1399	1227
TOTAL ASSETS	54354	43664
LESS: Advanced deposits	3597	2528
TOTAL	50757	41136
FUND B/F	41136	40297
Surplus/deficit for year	9621	839
FUND C/F	50757	41136

Signed

R E Lansdowne	A Brew
Treasurer	Hon Ind Examiner